The method:   People before profits

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UG is committed to providing all the assistance possible to help participants succeed and overcome life circumstances that might keep them from obtaining and sustaining steady employment. This means each person will receive one-on-one individualized help and support from trained mentors to walk them through educational materials, career exploration, and the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of the workforce. Our mentors are trained to look for common stumbling blocks and help participants negotiate short and long-term solutions. The UG job training certification program includes:

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• Weekly classes and homework for career exploration (3 hours per week for 10 weeks, paid)

• On-the-job training to be a coffee “barista” (16 hours a week)

• A bi-weekly paycheck and mentoring in personal banking and budgeting

• Daily supervision and mentoring by Coffee Truck manager or assistant manager

• Bi-weekly check-ins with community or staff success mentor

• Optional additional peer-group meetings with Youth First’s Young Adult program (informal, voluntary, no-cost)